United have long had a reputation of fans who have stuck by their bosses, but
a poll on the respected Red Issue website returned a whopping 88 per cent in
favour of sacking Van Gaal immediately.

The Glazer brothers know they cannot gamble with a top four finish or going
against the major will of the fans — it is just a case of whether to make
the change now, or see if they are any signs of improvement at the Britannia
Stadium on Saturday.

And the big fear is whether delaying until after such a hectic festive period
could cost United too many points come the end of the season.